EDC flags confusing BTR guidance, delays funding for how‑to video; boot camp lineup shifts

Committee members told staff that the town’s existing BTR (business tax receipt) how‑to video appears to be outdated and is the top search result, but the site’s updated navigation no longer matches the video’s instructions. Staff notes attributed to Isabella indicated Danny Angel plans new how‑to videos timed to BTR renewal season in July, at an estimated production cost of $500 per video, but the Economic Development Committee did not commit funding at this meeting and recommended further review of marketing miscellaneous funds instead of an immediate purchase.

Several members argued that fixing the town website to match existing guidance would be a lower‑cost, quicker remedy than reproducing a new video. The transcript records the committee noting there is limited wiggle room in the current budget and that pending invoices (for example, a Main Street Live charge) would affect available balances.

Organizers also reported a last‑minute speaker cancellation for the Boot Camp; rather than recruit a replacement, the committee extended time for the remaining presenters and confirmed Milo Gonzalez (MQC) as an added presenter. The committee discussed operational details: extending speaker slots by five minutes for Q&A, reshaping the agenda, and the impact on the planned announcement of Best of Miami Lakes finalists during the boot camp break.

Toward the end of the meeting members debated a longer‑term idea to reallocate some recurring networking/event funds into a small business support pilot (proposed example: pooled ad spend or low‑cost marketing assistance covering a limited number of local businesses). Committee members emphasized a need for a competitive and transparent selection process if funds were used as grants or marketing pilots and noted the committee’s overall budget is limited (approximately $13,000 annually). No formal motion or allocation for that pilot was approved at the meeting.

Next steps: staff will not yet expend funds for a new BTR video; instead they will investigate website fixes, confirm pending invoices, and finalize the boot camp agenda changes for the upcoming event.